How to Get Rid of Bad Thoughts about God: 7 Simple Steps

Introduction

How to Get Rid of Bad Thoughts about God: You’re in the sacred space of your quiet time, nestled in the warmth of God’s presence, and suddenly a cold gust of doubt sweeps through your mind, bringing with it unwelcome thoughts about God. You’re taken aback, even a little ashamed. How could such thoughts arise in your mind? You, a devoted believer!

Not only you. There are many individuals who face the same problem and this has been a thorn in their flesh.

But why discuss such an uncomfortable topic? Isn’t it best left untouched, hoping it might just fade away on its own? Not quite. My purpose here is to openly address these doubts and uncertainties. To provide a lifeline to those struggling, lost in a sea of negative thoughts about God.

In this article, we’ll explore why these thoughts occur, learn from Biblical figures who’ve faced similar struggles, and discover practical, biblically-inspired steps to overcome them.

So, let’s get started, not with apprehension, but with the hope and faith that God’s truth will guide us through.

[Related article: Will God Punish Me for My Thoughts?]

Understanding the Nature of Bad Thoughts

When we speak of ‘bad thoughts’ about God, what exactly do we mean? To illustrate, let me share a personal story that I hope will illuminate the issue and resonate with you.

Not so long ago, I found myself in deep conversation with a fellow student who had also been an active member of our college fellowship. Over time, however, he stopped attending. His reason? He believed that God did whatever He wanted, heedless of our prayers or desires. “God shows mercy to whom He wants to show mercy,” my friend would say, drawing from Romans 9:13-18. “Why pray when God, immutable as He is, never changes His mind?”

From the same scripture, he was questioning the nature of a God who would say, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated,” before they were even born. “What kind of God is this? What did Esau do to deserve this?”

He continued, telling me that this is why he doesn’t pray or attend fellowship anymore. He felt that if God wanted to show him mercy, He would, and there was no point in praying to a being who never changes His mind.

As I listened, I paid close attention to his concerns, trying to put myself in his shoes. I could feel his disappointment, the heaviness of his thoughts.

But I knew that this was a teachable moment, an opportunity to bring clarity to his misconceptions about God’s nature. I referred him to Hebrews 4:16, which encourages us to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence,” and Matthew 15:21-28, the story of the Canaanite woman whose persistent faith moved Jesus to heal her daughter. Through these scriptures and relevant life stories, I was able to challenge his views, and by God’s grace, he later agreed to return to the fellowship.

This brings me to you. What are the thoughts swirling in your mind? Are they thoughts like:

• God doesn’t care about me.
• Worrying that God is punishing you.
• God is not fair.
• God doesn’t answer my prayers.
• God’s love is conditional.
• God is distant and unapproachable.
• God has favorites and I’m not one of them.
• God allows suffering, so He must be cruel.
• Doubting God’s existence
• Believing God is beyond reach
• God allows suffering, so He must be cruel.
• God’s Word doesn’t make sense, so it can’t be trusted.
• God’s promises are for others, not for me.

[Read: Why Do I Have Bad Thoughts About God and People?]

Understanding the Root Causes of Negative Thoughts about God

Understanding why these thoughts arise is a crucial part of the journey towards overcoming them. Let’s consider some of the possible root causes:

1. Misunderstanding of Scripture:

At times, scriptures may seem complex or contradictory, leading to confusion or negative thoughts about God’s character or intentions.

2. Personal Trials and Sufferings:

When faced with hardships, we might question why God is allowing us to suffer, leading to doubts about His love or concern for us.

3. Witnessing Injustice or Suffering:

Seeing others suffer, especially the innocent or the faithful, can lead to questions about God’s fairness or goodness.

4. Unanswered Prayers:

When our prayers seem to go unanswered, we might start doubting God’s presence or His willingness to help us.

5. Influence of Secular Worldviews:

Being exposed to atheistic or agnostic views can sometimes seed doubts about God’s existence or relevance.

6. Loneliness or Isolation:

Feeling alone or unsupported can make us feel as though God is distant or uncaring.

7. Sin or Guilt:

Sometimes, our own sins or feelings of guilt can lead us to believe that God is angry with us or that we’re unworthy of His love.

8. Influence of Negative Experiences with Religious Figures:

If we’ve had negative experiences with church leaders or other believers, we might project these onto God, doubting His love or trustworthiness.

9. Loss or Grief:

Experiencing loss can bring about questions regarding God’s purpose or His compassion.

10. Negative Childhood Teachings:

If we grew up with harsh or legalistic religious teachings, we might carry negative thoughts about God into our adulthood.

11. Comparing with Others:

Seeing others who seem more blessed can lead us to question God’s fairness or His care for us.

12. Spiritual Warfare:

The Bible tells us that spiritual forces of evil can plant doubts in our minds to disrupt our relationship with God.

13. Fear of Punishment:

A misunderstanding of God’s discipline can lead us to view Him as a harsh judge rather than a loving Father.

14. Disappointment with God:

When God doesn’t act as we expect or desire, we may feel disappointed and question His goodness.

15. Lack of Knowledge about God’s Character:

Without a full understanding of God’s loving and merciful character, we may entertain thoughts that don’t align with His true nature.

Understanding these root causes can help us address our negative thoughts about God more effectively. Remember, we’re in this journey together. The next step? Learning from those in the Bible who’ve grappled with similar struggles. Let’s move forward, one step at a time.

[Related article: Understanding 7 Root Causes of Prayerlessness: Why We Struggle to Pray.]

Uncontrollable Bad Thoughts about God: OCD and Bad Thoughts About God

In discussing the issue of negative thoughts about God, it is crucial to address a specific type of intrusive thoughts that is linked to a condition known as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCD is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions).

When it comes to matters of faith, some individuals may experience what is known as ‘scrupulosity,’ a form of OCD where the person becomes excessively concerned with religious or moral obsessions. This can manifest as persistent, distressing thoughts about God, sin, or morality that are contrary to the person’s beliefs and values.

Moreover, for those with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), these thoughts can become relentless, causing intense distress.

Yet, it’s important to remember that these thoughts, as distressing as they are, can be addressed and navigated through.

https://www.straighttalkcounseling.org/post/understanding-and-treating-religious-ocd

Learning from Biblical Figures

But take heart! Many great figures from the Bible also battled with disconcerting thoughts about God. Consider Job, who in the depths of his suffering, questioned God’s justice. Remember David, who amidst his own trials, sometimes felt abandoned by God. Even the Apostle Paul, a stalwart of faith, confessed to a ‘thorn in his flesh’ that tormented him. Yet, they did not succumb to these trials. Their stories of resilience and renewed faith provide a blueprint for us to follow.

Why It’s Important to Address Negative Thoughts about God

Left unaddressed, these negative thoughts can create a rift in our relationship with God, fostering doubt and eroding our sense of spiritual security. They not only threaten our spiritual health but can also take a toll on our mental well-being. It’s essential, therefore, to face these thoughts head-on, to question their origins, their truth, and their power over us.

How to Get Rid of Bad Thoughts about God: 7 Step Approach

Here is a seven-step approach inspired by biblical wisdom to help you navigate this journey:

1. Identify the thought:

Acknowledge the presence of the negative thought without judgment or self-condemnation. Understanding the issue is the first step in addressing it.

• Tip: Keep a journal. Writing down your thoughts can help you recognize patterns and better understand your thought process.

2. Reflect on its origin:

Consider what may have triggered this thought. Is it a personal trial, a misunderstood scripture, or an external influence?

• Tip: Pray for discernment. Ask God to help you understand where these thoughts are coming from.

3. Compare it with the Truth of Scripture:

Measure the thought against God’s word. Remember, the Bible is the ultimate source of truth about God’s character and His love for us.

• Tip: Memorize scriptures that remind you of God’s love and faithfulness. When negative thoughts arise, counter them with these truths.

4. Pray for clarity and peace:

Bring your worries to God in prayer, asking for His peace to guard your heart and mind.

• Tip: Pray persistently. It’s okay to tell God you’re struggling and ask for His help as often as you need.

5. Fill your mind with God’s word:

Engage in regular Bible study and meditation on God’s promises. Filling your mind with truth leaves less room for doubts and untruths.

• Tip: Start your day with scripture. Establishing this habit can help set a positive tone for your day.

6. Seek fellowship and counsel:

Share your struggles with a trusted spiritual mentor or friend. Their insight, understanding, and support can be invaluable. It might be that what you need is deliverance. Their prayer can bring the problem to an end.

• Tip: Don’t isolate yourself. Participate in church activities, small group meetings, or Bible study groups where you can share and learn from others.

7. Practice patience and perseverance:

Overcoming negative thoughts doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey that requires patience, perseverance, and a lot of grace.

• Tip: Remember that it’s okay to have bad days. What’s important is that you keep moving forward, trusting God’s process and timing.
  Changing thought patterns takes time. Be patient with yourself and persist in your efforts. Remember, God’s grace is sufficient for you.

Conclusion

As you wrestle with these challenges, remember, you are not alone, neither in your experiences nor in your efforts to overcome them. God, in His infinite patience and love, is right beside you, guiding you towards His eternal truth. You are also part of a community of believers, some of whom are battling similar storms. Reach out to them, lean on them, and find comfort in their shared experiences. This journey may be challenging, but with patience, perseverance, and faith, victory is within reach.

So, Let’s walk this road together, dear friend, step by step, prayer by prayer, scripture by scripture, until the daybreak of understanding banishes the night of doubt and bad thoughts about God.

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